Another La Masia talent is ready to step up.
Barcelona youngster Xavi Espar has been given confidence to make it into the first team and take over from Jules Kounde as a right-back at some point in the future.
Former academy coach Óscar Jorquera says the right-back has what it takes to go all the way at Barcelona and become a regular in the senior side.
“I spoke to him the first time he was called up to the first team and told him how proud I was and the full confidence I had that he was fully capable and able to take on that challenge,” he told Spor.
“For me, he is a player who can fit perfectly in the first team squad. Obviously, he has to continue making his steps, especially after being injured. He has to regain the rhythm of Barça Atlètic with Belletti.
“He could eventually replace Jules Kounde. When I had him, Espar played in midfield with the 1-3-2-1 typical of Barça’s 7-a-side football. He was one of the two pivots.
“But it is true that when in some situations we needed to place one of the two midfielders on the outside, we placed him there. I think he’s a player who can make a lot of career in the Barça first team playing as a full-back.”
Espar suffered a nasty knee injury in November that ruled him out for several months and he has only recently returned to full fitness.
The injury was a real blow but he had previously caught Hansi Flick’s eye and will hope to do so again after returning to action.
